Trademark law concerns itself with the commercial use of “signs” (such as names, logos, badges, and so on), which designate the origin of goods and services, and the exploitation and protection of those registered trademark rights. However, the law also protects unregistered trademarks. In English law, unregistered trademarks are protected under the law of “passing off“.
The most important piece of UK legislation relating to trade mark is the Trade Marks Act 1994. Passing off is a right at common law: it has not been codified in statute.
- Trade Marks Act 1994 (opens a new window).
- 10 Things Webmasters Should Know About… Trade Marks – The Website Law guide for webmasters (opens a new window).
- Trade Mark Registry – These are the trademark pages on the UK Patent Office website (opens a new window).
Glossary: Advertising Standards Authority, Ambush Marketing, Brand Name, Branding, Brand Repositioning, E-Marketing, E-Privacy Directive, Logos, Marketing, Pharming, Phishing, Registered Trademark, Trademark, Trust, TrustRank